Angelo Mathews returns for Bangladesh Tests, injured Kusal Perera ruled out
Senior Sri Lanka batsman Angelo Mathews is back in the Test squad for the Bangladesh series while Kusal Perera will miss the action due to injury.
Mathews withdrew from the West Indies tour - Sri Lanka's previous international assignment - owing to personal reasons. His return bolsters Sri Lanka's relatively inexperienced batting unit given the selectors' decision to keep ignoring Kusal Mendis for a spot in the line-up.
Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka and spinner Praveen Jayawickrama are the only two uncapped players in the Sri Lanka contingent. Jayawickrama was drafted into the side as a replacement for Lasith Embuldeniya, who is still reeling from the effects of a soft-tissue injury he endured in the second Test against West Indies.
Sri Lanka's pace bowling department is packed with the inclusion of Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando and Madushanka. Their spin stocks are boosted by the presence of Wanindu Hasaranga, though the absence of Lakshan Sandakan and Dilruwan Perera suggests there may be an inclination towards preparing more fast bowling-friendly pitches.
The Test series commences on April 21 in Kandy with the second match also scheduled to be held at the same venue starting on April 29.
Sri Lanka Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Roshen Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando
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